KLM Successfully Operates Ten Test Flights

Summary

KLM successfully operated a total of ten test flights this weekend. The purpose of the flights was to assess whether the quality of the atmosphere allowed safe air traffic. All of the aircraft have now undergone a technical inspection. KLM conveyed the results of today’s flights to the Dutch air transport authorities, Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat (IVW).

KLM previously operated a test flight in Dutch airspace on Saturday evening, 17 April. The results of subsequent technical inspections revealed that the flight had encountered no problems whatsoever. Based on this information, the Dutch air transport authorities IVW, granted permission to operate further test flights on Sunday.

The first flight set off to Düsseldorf, Germany, at around 06.30 hrs on Sunday morning. The aircraft had no passengers on board, but was staffed by a 20-strong crew. The crew on board flew seven stranded aircraft from Düsseldorf to Schiphol during the course of the morning and early afternoon.

KLM President & CEO Peter Hartman stressed that these were test flights. This does not imply that regular air traffic can be resumed. This decision rests with the Dutch authorities IVW, in consultation with the European authorities.

KLM hopes to receive permission to resume part of its operations as soon as possible, so that passengers can be brought to their destination.